Oils and proteins

Question 1

Why are Omega 3 and Omega 6 named that way and what type of oils are they?

Answer 1

These are polyunsaturated fats and Omega 3 has a double bond 3 carbons from the end and Omega 6 has a double bond 6 carbons from the end

Question 2

What are the 3 types of Omega 3 oils and where do we get them from?

Answer 2

ALA a-linilenic acid is from flax seeds, walnuts and green leafy veg
EPA and DHA are in oily fish

Question 3

What are the 3 types of Omega 6 oils and where do we get them from?

Answer 3

LA linolenic acid from sunflower seeds
GLA gamma linolenic acid from evening primrose oil
AAarachidonic acid from meat, dairy, eggs

Question 4

Why do we need a balance of Omega 3 and 6?

Answer 4

Because Omega 6 is high in western diet and can be inflammatory, Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory

Question 5

What are the 6 functions of EFAs?

Answer 5

fluidity and structure of cell membrane
joint lubrication
make haemoglobin
generates electric current to maintain regular heart rate
balance immune system
transports cholesterol
supports production of digestive enzymes

Question 6

How do you store oils to prevents free radicals?

Answer 6

Oils are damagesd by light, heat and oxygen so store in cool, dark place sealed, preferably in glass bottle

Question 7

How do fats move around the body more easily?

Answer 7

They attach to a protein to become lipoproteins LDL and HDL

Question 8

What is the purpose of LDL?

Answer 8

LDL moves cholesterol from the liver to the cells

Question 9

What is the purpose of HDL?

Answer 9

HDL collects cholesterol from cells and brings int back to liver.

Question 10

What happens if there’s too much LDL and not enough HDL?

Answer 10

This inbalance means that cholesterol cannot be transported back to the liver and too much circulating in the body.

Question 11

What are steroids?

Answer 11

Lipids made from cholesterol used to make hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone and cortisol

Question 12

What are the building blocks for proteins?

Answer 12

Amino acids

Question 13

How many amino acids does the body need?

Answer 13

20

Question 14

What 4 elements can be found in proteins?

Answer 14

Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen

Question 15

What is formed when amino acids join togethr?

Answer 15

Peptides

Question 16

Name a dipeptide and whether this is beneficial or harmful

Answer 16

aspartame, it’s a neurotoxin and harmful

Question 17

Name a tripeptide and name the 3 amino acids it contains

Answer 17

Glutathione - power antioxidant contains L-cysteine, L-glutamate and Glycine

Question 18

How can you boost your L-cysteine levels?

Answer 18

Eat eggs, legumes and sunflower seeds

Question 19

What are the 10 functions of proteins? Think suffix -in

Answer 19

Tissue structure - collagen
Immunity (antibodies)
Hormones (insulin)
Movement (actin and mysin)
Alternative energy source (not efficient)
storage molecules (ferritin)
Carrier molecules (haemoglobin)
Fluid balance (albumin)
Clotting factors

Question 20

Name 5 proteins

Answer 20

Albumin
Insulin
Ferritin
Haemoglobin
Collagen
Actin
Mysin

Question 21

What is denaturation?

Answer 21

When the 3d structure of the protein unfolds and can’t function properly

Question 22

How does denaturation occur?

Answer 22

heat (egg whites)

heavy metals - use coriander and chorella to remove metals from the body

Question 23

What is gene expression?

Answer 23

The body’s ability to copy a gene and make new protein

Question 24

What can positively influence gene expression?

Answer 24

metabolites of Vit A, Vit D, EFAs, zinc and fibre

Question 25

What can negatively influence gene expression?

Answer 25

An acidic, glucose reich, anaerobic environment caused by lack of oxygen (exercise), stress, processed foods, drugs and radiation

Question 26

What would be the best environment for gene expression

Answer 26

Diet high in Vit A, Vit D, zinc, EFAs and fibre, plenty of exercise, fresh foods, no toxins, relaxation, no sugar

Question 27

Which enzyme is required to turn B9 folate into a form for methylation and why is it important?

Answer 27

MTHFR - can lead to high levels of homocysteine linked with heart disease and dementia. Worth taking active methylfolate supplement if you have MTHFR mutation

Question 28

As well as converting folate to methylfolate to metabolise homocycsteine, what else is methylation required for?

Answer 28

Removing metals like mercury from the body